Whether we like it or not, technology is changing our world as we know it. It is altering the way we think, feel, make life choices and live our lives in general. We are currently in an era where Sci-fi can become reality, where visions of our future become to materialize. The line between real and virtual life is getting blurred as a result of software developers and hardware engineers across the world continually coming up with new technological concepts and solutions. One such solution, which is at the forefront of the digital era is Augmented Reality – also known as AR. Predicted to reach over a billion users worldwide by 2020, AR seems to be becoming the true reality for most of us.
What is AR?
Unlike Virtual reality, which requires you to enter a virtual space, AR uses your current environment and simply augments it with computer-generated information and imagery – thus enhancing the perception of reality. In this augmented version of reality, both real and virtual worlds can work seamlessly – this way users are able to experience new and improved versions of reality where overlays of virtual information are used as a tool to provide assistance in everyday activities. With improving reality with interactive digital elements and visuals, AR opens doorways to a limitless array of possibilities in the industrial and commercial area.
Given the versatility of AR, applications can be as simple as text notifications or as complicated as projecting computer-generated beings which are capable of interacting with their surroundings.
If you have watched any mainstream sport since the late 90’x or 2000s, you most likely have witnessed AR in action.
Early examples of the use of AR: The line used to show and offside in football, ball’s trajectory displayed over the field, the after-game analysis carried out with projecting lines over the game footage.
The moment when AR became mainstream
Pokemon GO – is the name of the mobile game that brought AR closer to millions of people. It allowed it’s users to view the world around them through their smartphone cameras and it projected images of Pokemon on to their surroundings, it makes it seem as if they are right in your real-life neighborhood.
AR isn’t only just fun and games, it’s a technological solution that finds uses in more serious matters, from business to warfare and medicine. This technology has the power to change perceptions and is changing our world in more ways than one.
Practical uses for Augmented Reality include:
AR for Manufacturing and design
Conventionally, designing objects involved assuming conditions that were as close as possible to reality – to real operating conditions, example: using 3D models to simulate the real conditions around them. Now, with Augmented reality, it is possible to design in real conditions =, without even having the real conditions present around the 3D model.
AR for Repair and Maintenance
If you have tried to repair your own car, you probably familiar with the chaos of opening up the bonnet and seeing unrecognizable parts. You end up getting frustrated, probably doing more harm than good and end up taking the car to the service to get it repaired after two or three days.
Now imagine a scenario where an expert technician was there, right next to you when you opened the bonnet. You would only have to look at your screen and you would see information projected over the car part – making it easier to now which part does what and it would also tell you which car part has malfunctioned. Once the part is identified, you could just simply order the part from the App’s interface from a local warehouse. Once the part gets delivered, all you have to do is to open up the App again and it will show you how to change the part step-by-step.
Augmented Reality in Retail –
Retail seems to be more adaptive to AR than any other industry. Shoppers can be reached via beacons, connecting with user accounts through apps, in-store scanners, kiosks, digital product catalogs, and many more.
Augmented reality in travel and tourism
Google Maps has recently introduced AR mode which allows the app to project your destination on to the real-world environment. It will show the user virtual signs as they’re walking, giving them clear directions to their destinations. As you reach virtual markers scattered along your route, you will hear audio notifications prompting you to move your camera towards the next marker.
Digital transformation is elevating user experiences and customer expectations are growing at the speed of thought. As AR technology keeps evolving, we will see it being applied more commonly in different apps to make our lives easier.
Are you interested in an AR app? JustApplications can help bring your concepts to life! Our team of senior developers has years of experience working in different ways of applying new technologies.
For more information, please contact us on: 0121 285 1050